Julia Gillard tells Bob Murphy about Jeff and post-political life
FORMER prime minister Julia Gillard has revealed her admiration for Jeff Kennett, her “regret and relief’’ at leaving politics and the importance of footy.
VIC News
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FORMER prime minister Julia Gillard has spoken of her joy at making a difference post-politics and admiration for Jeff Kennett.
Ms Gillard has opened up on life as beyondblue chair and how former Victorian premier Mr Kennett sounded her out to replace him in the role.
In an episode of Bob with former Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy on Fox Footy on Tuesday, Ms Gillard talks about footy, politics and mental health.
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She said Mr Kennett convinced her to join beyondblue when “he knew it was time to go’’.
“I’m not sure many people would have thought of me and Jeff as a likely couple, a likely tag team,’’ she said.
“But I’m just so admiring of what Jeff did in building beyondblue and honoured to be following in his footsteps.’’
Ms Gillard said she missed Parliament but not the “sheer’’ relentlessness of it.
“You will never be more tested on the edge than I was in those moments,’’ she said.
“And so there is a mix of regret and relief in leaving that behind.’’
With suicide the biggest killer of young people in Australia and eight people committing suicide a day, she said “there’s still a long way to go” to remove the stigma associated with mental health.
High-profile athletes such as Buddy Franklin and Tom Boyd speaking publicly of battles with depression and anxiety helped break down barriers.
“The footy, sport generally, can play a huge role,’’ she said.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help by calling Beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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